Outlook: This should be a rebuilding year for the Red Raiders, who lost nine seniors from last year's team and sophomore centerfielder Nicole Falko, who tore her ACL during the soccer season and will miss the entire year. With only 13 girls in the program and no seniors, Derby will look to gain much needed varsity experience.

Coach's take: "Our main goal is always to win eight games and make it to the state tournament. We're looking to improve after every game, get better and gain experience."

Outlook: The Crusaders have the potential to compete if they can get solid pitching as well as offensive help. While it may be thought of as a rebuilding year, Cross does have a lot of younger players with experience at the varsity level who should gain confidence as the year goes on.

Coach's take: "I'm glad to finally be outside. A lot of teams look good in a gym, but when they get outside, it's a different story. I know we'll make mistakes, but we'll also look to our senior leadership for help. If we're going to win games, we'll need to scratch out some runs and play good defense. We may struggle at the plate in the begining of the year, but once the kids get confidence and get to know each other we'll be OK."

Outlook: The Eagles enter the season with a small, young roster. They return several underclassmen with varsity experience and will work toward producing more runs for sophomore pitcher Kimberley Woodin. The main goal is to qualify for the state tournament.

Coach's take: "We are excited for this season. Everyone is committed to putting in the work to try to improve on our record."

Outlook: The Greyhounds return several key players from last year's 15-win team. They will look for their pitching to develop as the season progresses. All-State junior Gillian Fortier will lead the offense along with senior Sarah Chandler. Last season, Fortier wracked up a .400 average with a .590 OBP, while Chandler hit .450 and had a .580 OBP.

Coach's take: "Scrimmages have produced some bright spots with a multitude of players battling for spots and game time this year."

Outlook: The young Hearts will focus on the fundamentals, looking to improve from last year. The hope is to gain experience and win games along the way.

Coach's take: "The NVL is a very competitive league. We gain great experience every year by playing some really good teams. We've made our runs before; we hope to build our team up this year and head to states again."

Outlook: The Wildcats have a good mixture of talent and continue to work hard; they have the potential to be a good team in the NVL. Petroski, a junior, will need only six hits to reach 100 and is the team's top offensive threat.

Coach's take: "As of now, Torrington has a lot of talent returning and will be the favorite with an All-State-caliber chucker on the mound (Sydney Matzko). Watertown and Woodland return solid experienced pitchers and will be tough to beat in the Brass. The NVL Copper Division should have some very good teams in Torrington, Naugatuck, Holy Cross and Kennedy."

Outlook: The Falcons return six starters from a year ago and have some promising newcomers added to the mix that will make St. Paul an interesting team this season.

Coach's take: "We have an improved defense and a solid offense this season. Our weakness is we don't have a whole lot of pitching depth. The teams to keep an eye out for will be Seymour and Torrington."

Outlook: The Red Raiders will have a bull's-eye on their back after finishing the regular season last year at 18-2 and graduating only one senior. They return a full squad and look to have a strong season.

Coach's take: "The NVL expects us to be a contender to win the league this year. We are planning on a strong season and want to better our record from last year."

Outlook: The Wildcats will turn to their returning players and upperclassmen for leadership this year, as they have several freshmen looking to gain varsity experience. The team is full of positive attitudes and is ready to learn the game and improve upon last season's record. They will have their work cut out for them in the NVL.

Coach's take: "The entire team is up to the challenge. Our returning players have 'stepped up to the plate' with a game attitude and positive leadership for their younger counterparts."

Outlook: The Eagles graduated team leaders in Gabby Gallucci, Emily Morris and Alexandria Harbanuk, and will now be led by a dedicated core of young players. Once they all get comfotable in their new spots, they can make some noise in the NVL.

Coach's take: "Although Wolcott does not have the experience we are used to in prior years, we hope to continue to be competitive and upset some teams. What this team lacks in experience is made up for with dedication, determination and a true understanding of team."

Outlook: The Hawks return seven starters, including two infielders, two outfielders, two pitchers, and their catcher. They have the experience to make a run at the NVL title. They also have several promising newcomers, including Sam White, Cameron Caswell and Carla Piccolo.

Coach's take: "They are working hard to prepare for the season, and to learn to work together with our new infielders. This team has great enthusiasm and work ethic, and is ready to compete well in the NVL. Throughout the league, there are talented pitchers that will make for some great games."

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